Subject
Slave traders -- Fiction Books
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Michael Scott
The Cruise of the Midge (Vol. 2 of 2)
"The Cruise of the Midge" by Michael Scott is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds in a maritime setting, featuring the character Benjamin Brail, a midshipman of the British Navy, who finds himself entangled in intriguing and dangerous adventures following a traumatic incident in Havana. Themes of fate, morality, and the duality of human nature play a significant role in the narrative, inviting readers into a world of high seas and complex characters. The opening of the novel begins with Brail awakening in a dimly lit room after suffering a stab wound, feeling faint but relieved to be alive. He experiences a vivid and emotional moment as he perceives an apparition, the young midshipman Henry De Walden, before realizing it is his friend Joe Peak who enters the room. The conversation reveals that Brail had been attacked and robbed, with De Walden and Lennox—another character—implied to have played significant roles in his rescue and recovery. As Brail recovers amidst friendly interactions with those around him, he also learns of the tenuous nature of life, the impact of human connections, and the unpredictable course of fate—all of which set the tone for the unfolding drama in the story.
Michael Scott
The Cruise of the Midge (Vol. 1 of 2)
"The Cruise of the Midge" by Michael Scott is a novel written in the early 19th century. It follows the adventures of young Benjamin Brail, who embarks on a maritime expedition filled with excitement, danger, and humor as he navigates the complexities of trade and maritime life along the African coast. The novel promises a mix of adventure and character-driven storytelling, showcasing Benjamin’s interactions with various figures, including shipmates and local characters. At the start of the narrative, we meet Benjamin Brail, an adventurous young man eager to escape the confines of his uncle’s counting-house in England. After a mischievous act almost costs him his opportunity to sail, he secures a position aboard a ship headed to trade in Africa. The opening portion sets the scene for his embarkation, detailing his relationships and the challenges he anticipates facing on the perilous seas. As Benjamin's journey begins, the reader is introduced to the rigors of maritime life and the colorful personalities aboard, hinting at the thrilling adventures and significant encounters that await him along the African coastline.
T. Jenkins (Thornton Jenkins) Hains
The black barque : $b a tale of the pirate slave-ship Gentle Hand on her last African cruise
"The Black Barque" by T. Jenkins Hains is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of piracy, adventure, and the moral complexities of slavery, as experienced by a young sailor named John Heywood. The narrative begins with Heywood, who is navigating the tumultuous life of a sailor in post-war Europe, seeking a new opportunity at sea. The opening of the book introduces John Heywood as he reflects on his previous experiences on the ship "Washington" and describes his arrival in Havre, where he encounters men adrift due to the aftermath of war. After a series of confrontations and misunderstandings, he finds himself tricked into signing onto a ship called the "Gentle Hand", led by the morally ambiguous Captain Howard. The narrative hints at a darker purpose behind their voyage, intertwined with the slave trade, as we learn that Howard is a notorious former pirate. As Heywood meets other crew members and begins to navigate his new life aboard, the stage is set for a gripping tale of adventure and ethical dilemmas.
Jules Verne
A lángban álló szigettenger
"A lángban álló szigettenger" by Jules Verne is a historical novel published in 1884. Set during Greece's 1820s war of independence against Ottoman rule, the story follows Nikolasz Sztarkosz, a notorious pirate captain who encounters his mother Andronika, a freedom fighter who curses him at their family home. As European volunteers join the Greek cause and naval battles unfold, personal conflicts intertwine with the broader struggle for liberation, involving a French officer, a banker's daughter, and prisoners of war in the flame-engulfed archipelago.
Jules Verne
L'archipel en feu
"L'archipel en feu" by Jules Verne is a historical novel published in 1884. Set during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, the story follows French naval officer Henry d'Albaret as he falls in love with Hadjine, daughter of a banker whose fortune has dark origins. When the notorious pirate Sacratif demands Hadjine's hand in marriage, she flees. D'Albaret takes command of a warship to hunt pirates across the Aegean islands, unaware that his romantic rival and his military nemesis are the same man.
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